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News 2018

December 2018

  • 31 Dec 18: The latest version, 3.6.0, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for these on-air 2019 Activities:
    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 29 Dec 18: Please send in your logs for the following December 2018 activities:
    • Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 31 December.
    • Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 January.
    • Snakes & Ladders (EuCW; note S&L 2018 finishes on 31 December) no later than 7 January.

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 22 Dec 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 23 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days in December are Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 20 Dec 18: The Autumn 2018 Key Note is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members.

    Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:
    https://fists.co.uk/members/members.aspx

    Items in this issue include:
    • Ship's Radio Room Clocks - A Little History
    • Morse Code Sending Bars
    • Review: Hamshop.cz CW Touch Paddle
    • Keys that are out of this World
    • QUA
    • New "FISTS Collection" Disc from Club Sales
    • QRP operation from Malta 9H3FC/G4UDG
    • "Hunting for the Unicorn" G3VBS

    ... and more besides!

     
  • 13 Dec 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    DennisK6DF#3076 Prefix
    PrestonWA6OEF#15666 Millionaire 12 Million Endorsement
    VanniI5ECW#16505 Diamond Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 6 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 20m Endorsement, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement
    JoeIK2WAD#18599 Basic Century
    DannyON4VT#18890 Basic Century, Millionaire, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 12 Dec 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    TotoYD9DRB#15277 EdwardW4EMM#18938 StephenKC1KCV#18968
    KenN7KO#18836 ScottieAB8TI#18939 GeorgeWB2BNB#18969
    SakiDD5XX#18874 NormanKN4GSL#18940 TimKF7WJY#18970
    EriksYL3AKE#18881 EliN2ELI#18941 StephenWB0UWE#18971
    SandroIW2EAB#18882 BobKI5CDC#18942 BillW5HWZ#18972
    MuiM0MUI#18883 Karl HeinzK5KHK#18943 DavidW0DCX#18973
    LesG4JDS#18884 JimKA3LXM#18944 CarlW1AGE#18974
    Jean ClaudeF6EJU#18885 KenAA5CF#18945 TomN0TLW#18975
    Ivan9H1PI#18886 BryanKO4YB#18946 MichaelAB7RU#18976
    PaulM0PLA#18887 BillN3EDO#18947 SteveK9ZW#18977
    PeterGM0EUL#18888 MichaelKD2IYI#18948 IraKB2DJJ#18978
    EdM0TZX#18889 BillKK4LYQ#18949 MikeVE3WDM#18979
    DannyON4VT#18890 JustinKN4PRB#18950 RichardN4BC#18980
    SteveG6SGA#18892 RobertK6ZLU#18951 BrianAA9KG#18981
    GeoffG0UVX#18893 DavidKA9KOJ#18952 BeverlinKH7LM#18982
    VladoIU0HMB#18894 BillN2NDF#18953 GordonN8GMM#18983
    ChrisG0WUS#18895 WayneW5EGT#18954 BillW2IIT#18984
    TomGM3ZLC#18896 RogerN3GE#18955 JerryWA5RAF#18985
    AdamG0ORY#18897 WalterKC3CEY#18956 RobertKN4IXU#18986
    John2E0GUA#18898 AlN1SMB#18957 PierreVA4PM#18987
    RodG3RTB#18899 AlfredN3BXZ#18958 JimK2PHD#18988
    MacG3ZHZ#18900 BrentKF7IIG#18959 BillW4OM#18989
    TedW1HGY#18930 DavidNN4E#18960 SteveKB3JC#18990
    EnzoVE3VTG#18931 MarvinW8MLL#18961 JerryN5EKO#18991
    ToddN7TMS#18932 JamesWZ9Q#18962 ThomasKE8HUM#18992
    DavidND4K#18933 KevinKW0KW#18963 RudiDF1ZA#19000
    RonK3SEW#18934 PhilN4KEZ#18964 SeanG0OOQ#19001
    CharlesKN4QEH#18935 DennisK6DS#18965 TonyG0JYI#19002
    TonyKV6DC#18936 MichaelW4MDV#18966 CliffGI4CZW#19003
    WesK4WDB#18937 CleonWA7RCT#18967 PaulG0DJF#19004
  • 09 Dec 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 09 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days in December are Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 03 Dec 18: Please send in your logs for the following November 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

November 2018

  • 01 Dec 18: Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe), starts on Sunday 02 December and finishes on Saturday 08 December UTC. 

    DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that the operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
    Entrants must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)

    Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028 and 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
        Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

    QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is not essential but very much appreciated.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 24 Nov 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 25 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming day in November is Tuesday 27th.  Upcoming days in December are Monday 3rd, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 14 Nov 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder November 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the upcoming FISTS Winter Sports and the October 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 09 Nov 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 11 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days in November are Friday 16th, Monday 19th, Tuesday 27th.  Upcoming days in December are Monday 3rd, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 04 Nov 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    DennisK6DF#3076 Millionaire 6 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 7 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 11 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 12 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 13 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 20m
    GaryAB0BM#13663 Diamond Century, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement
    NilsDL3HR#18556 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 03 Nov 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    GraemeVK3TUX#15234 GeneAC0ZU#18901 ButchWA0CIE#18916
    RobVK4FRMZ#15235 PatrickWX2PAT#18902 MikeW7ACP#18917
    JamesWD0JB#18839 ChuckK0XM#18903 ChristopherKB0CSA#18918
    StephenKC5TTY#18845 HoraceKI5WA#18904 DavidN5DJH#18919
    JoshAF0U#18846 BobAD4PM#18905 RandyW7RAN#18920
    RonK3OLN#18847 KevinW9YAP#18906 DonAE4DD#18921
    JodyKE8GKO#18848 GeorgeKA2DDI#18907 AllenKM5VJ#18922
    RcWH6FQE#18849 GiseldaKB2RWC#18908 JosephKX4ND#18923
    JohnK0AE#18850 ClintonKB2RBA#18909 CharlesVE3CQH#18924
    SteveG3ZPS#18875 JohnN8KIJ#18910 MattAA4MB#18925
    GuyON4KLG#18876 DaveAD8WR#18911 ArtN9HTL#18926
    IvanG0BON#18877 JosephWX1E#18912 GlennWN4T#18927
    MarkG0TMT#18878 BobN5BXN#18913 SteveKO6ZC#18928
    FrancisEI5GOB#18879 KathleenW0UM#18914 GwenNG3P#18929
    MarkM0RKA#18880 RandallN4LCV#18915    
  • 03 Nov 18: Graham G3ZOD writes:  The RSGB Marconi CW 2m Contest is this Weekend, 3 November 1400 UTC - 4 November 1400 UTC.  It is part of a Europe-wide contest and is the third out of three annual RSGB VHF CW contests (6m, 4m and 2m).

    Unlike HF contests, QSOs are a bit more relaxed and don't expect to get 599 for each QSO!  The exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character locator.  Most activity centres around 144.050, with the primary CW band plan segment 144.025 - 144.110 MHz.
  • 01 Nov 18: Please send in your logs for the following October 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

October 2018

  • 27 Oct 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities (***Don't forget that daylight savings time ends in Europe on 27 October!!) :
    • Ladder Sunday 28 October 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days in October are Wednesday 31st.  Upcoming days in November are Thursday 8th, Friday 16th, Monday 19th, Tuesday 27th.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
    • Chirp 'n' Drift Day runs from Friday 02 November 18:00 to Saturday 03 November 01:00 UTC.  This is a short event for all those radios that are a tad embarrassing or quirky for everyday use ... they drift, they chirp, they do what they feel like ... yet they are fun or iconic.  Parasets, T1154s, anything you fancy!  No points, scores, or logs - just come on and enjoy the nostalgia.  Exchange:
          RST, Name, QTH, transmitter/receiver type, and FISTS member number (if applicable).
      Any band.
  • 14 Oct 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder October 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of Word Search 2018 and September 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 13 Oct 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 14 October 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days are Wednesday October 17th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Wednesday 31st.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 05 Oct 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    JohnVK5PF#15230 GaylonAD4WL#18820 GreggWX4K#18843
    DavidVK3GDM#15231 WillKD9KZ#18821 AsaW5FB#18844
    NilsVK3FLYS#15232 DavidAA5HL#18822 Chris2E1HTE#18852
    SimonVK2FK#15233 MiltonAC1BS#18823 DanG0DBI#18853
    KENJIYD3KNJ#15269 JasonK7III#18824 JanPA0SIM#18854
    RyuJR7UXB#15270 CarlaVE5YAK#18825 RickG3OPH#18855
    AkiJJ0SFV#15271 DanielW7RF#18826 DavidM0RIU#18856
    Kou7N1ICA#15272 DavidK5DEL#18827 MikePA7MDJ#18857
    AkiJK1OZS#15273 DonK9DRP#18828 PaulLA6IN#18858
    NobuJM7GTK#15274 GeraldWA5AFD#18829 Rob2W0BJR#18859
    AboJL1SJY#15275 JonathanN8YRE#18830 MikeDL4MGM#18860
    KenJA8CQU#15276 DavidN8MME#18831 BobM0CSV#18861
    Richard IanN2RIC#18770 BrentWB3KYJ#18832 GeoffG3YTX#18862
    LarryK4WLO#18810 RichN2NOW#18833 JohnM0LFX#18863
    TedAF4OV#18811 Southern CrossWX0UFO#18834 GrahamG3MFJ#18864
    TomNB5Q#18812 MikeKD5RJZ#18835 CliveGW4MBS#18865
    RichardN5RWF#18813 KenW7AHX#18836 FerM0HXC#18866
    RobertW7INF#18814 JerryKB2QIU#18837 BrianG4HIV#18867
    WilliamK7PK#18815 MichaelW6JN#18838 FredG4HNQ#18868
    BradN1BTC#18816 JamesKC0YJD#18839 SeanG0UVM#18869
    RobertAA5OY#18817 PaulW4GOT#18840 PauloM6NGZ#18870
    DaveKM6MYF#18818 MichaelAC2MV#18841 SteveM0HQL#18871
    AlexK6MAA#18819 JohnK0IP#18842 MartinM0XMP#18872
  • 02 Oct 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    ChuckK9IA#12732 Basic Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Worked All States, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement
    JohnG4LRG#14873 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    KepaEA6BB#18080 Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    WilliamMI0WWB#18434 Millionaire
    Rif9A9CW#18749 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 Oct 18: Please send in your logs for the following activities:
    • Word Search (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October.  (Please send a log even if you didn't complete the words - you will then be able to see your position(/s) in the results tables!)
    • Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October.
    • Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 October.

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

September 2018

  • 29 Sep 18: This year's Essex CW Amateur Radio Club (ECWARC) Boot Camp is on schedule for Saturday 27th October 2018.

    Venue address:
        3rd Witham Scout & Guide HQ,
        Rear of Spring Lodge Community Centre,
        Powers Hall End,
        Witham,
        Essex,
        CM8 2HE.

    The doors will open at 08:30 for registration.  The meetings begin at 09:00; please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to register.  The day finishes at approximately 16:30.

    Your main decision is to decide which group you want to work with: under 10 wpm, up to 24 wpm, and 25 wpm up.  Within each group, the aim is to show you how to progress to the top of that group and eventually move into the next group.  Note that at times all groups are combined for a number of talks and group CW activities.

    This is quite an intensive day.  If you become tired or don't want to do a particular activity, you can opt out.  Have a coffee, or sit in on the station we'll have on the air.  There will be someone to talk to about setting up and operating.  You will be able to use the station yourself, supervised or not as you wish.

    If you plan to take the RSGB Morse test, please practice up to a speed of at least 2 wpm faster than the test speed you have nominated.  It will also help the examiner if you can have your name, address, and call sign written out on a piece of paper in advance.  We have only planned an hour for this activity as the number of delegates indicating interest was low.  If the numbers swell on the day, it will have to be first-come-first-served.

    Finally, what to bring?  All of the following:
    • Morse key with 3.5 mm jack and 3.5/6.0 mm adaptor.
    • High impedance headphones, same jack requirements.
    • Writing pad and pencil/pen.
    • Name badge with call sign.
    • Registration Fee £10.00  please bring correct amount (cash only).

    Plastic cups will be available.  If you prefer something more solid, please bring your own mug.

    We will provide plenty of drinks, cakes, biscuits, and nibbles.  If you require a more substantial lunch, please bring your own.  Bear in mind we are only taking a 30-minute lunch break.

    This is going to be a very enjoyable and rewarding day.  You will be able to put faces to names and call signs and meet new fellow-enthusiasts.  But, most importantly, you will have a clear picture of your CW strengths and weaknesses and know how to fix and exploit those to improve your operating speed and technique.

    You will also be able to obtain information and answers about things that puzzle and confuse you:  should I use a paddle key?  What are all those different types for?  How do I set up my straight key?  What is the correct procedure for contesting versus regular QSOs?  Which is the best CW software?  And many more.

    Looking forward to meeting with you all and to a great day.

    73 Dean G4WQI ECWARC Chairman.
  • 27 Sep 18: New FISTS Collection disc with Morse courses and Key Notes from FISTS CW Club Europe!

    We now have a replacement for the Morse training CDs we have offered for a number of years, the new FISTS Collection disc.  This disc (DVD) contains:
    • Beginners' training course by K7QO (MP3 format) with its read-back texts.
    • G0NZA improvers' course (MP3 format).
    • Complete archive collection of our magazine Key Note up to February 2018.
    • Software, training videos and much more too.

    The disc comes with a 40 page A5 booklet giving advice for the newcomer to the hobby and the full text of the G0NZA training course.

    The prices are £4.50 (GBP) including postage to the UK, or for outside the UK, £5.50 (GBP).  The package can be obtained from the club sales web page.

    Note: The old single discs are no longer available and all outstanding orders will receive this new package.
  • 26 Sep 18: Straight Key Week from FISTS CW Club Europe, has returned for 2018 and starts on Sunday 02 December and finishes on Saturday 08 December UTC.

    **If you use FISTS Log Converter program to send in entries, you will need to download the newly-released Version 3.5.3

    DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
    Entrants must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)

    Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028 and 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
        Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

    QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is not essential but very much appreciated.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 23 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7.  It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
    • Ladder Sunday 23 September 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  The first day for 2018 is Monday 01 October.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 23 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe Day-hopper 2018 sessions start on Monday 1st October 2018 and continue through into November & December.  There are three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  The October sessions are:

    * Monday 1st October.
    * Tuesday 9th October.
    * Wednesday 17th October.
    * Thursday 25th October.
    * Friday 26th October.
    * Wednesday 31st October.

    The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.

    Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.  Members can submit reports of numbers worked, soap-box comments etc. etc. as a "Round-up news" at the end of the sessions (by the end of January 2018, please), and also send any questions, to: .
  • 15 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder September 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the August 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 08 Sep 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    StuartG4XSH#18730 RichardKB3MBM#18770 IsmaelYV6BXN#18790
    JanPA3GSV#18731 TomKS5X#18771 TravisW0MUD#18791
    TrevG1AHW#18732 NicholasVE2NGO#18772 JamesKC3LKG#18792
    SteveG8XEV#18733 BertKC2ABB#18773 DavidW9FOG#18793
    PaulM6OFV#18734 JoseWP3PW#18774 AdrianW2ADW#18794
    KeithG0RQQ#18735 PaulK4DXX#18775 RobertKM4WYJ#18795
    AndyIW0HK#18736 WayneKE8ISD#18776 TommyK4RCW#18796
    WillyON7TW#18737 CarltonKF7Y#18777 JasonAJ6EV#18797
    MarcM0IMG#18738 RichardW5TFW#18778 MikeAA6MK#18798
    MarkG1YWY#18739 JimW8LGZ#18779 MaxKE8DON#18799
    JohnEI5KN#18740 CarlW1WJ#18780 RoyAF5XB#18800
    ChrisM0XTE#18741 WilliamKC9BNW#18781 RobertNB4F#18802
    LeslieG4ZBC#18742 KeithKC5NAV#18782 MarkAC5RN#18803
    Darren2E0EVU#18743 MatthewNB0X#18783 PaulK4JAZ#18804
    JanPA0JED#18744 TimothyWB8HRO#18784 RichardW9REA#18805
    PhilG0BVD#18745 DavidNM5Z#18785 RobertKK4SER#18806
    JimM6URD#18746 JohnW6IET#18786 JamesKJ4J#18807
    PeterPA4PK#18747 CharlesKG4WAE#18787 WilliamKN4GYS#18808
    RufusM0RUF#18748 JerryAG5AY#18788 AlexWA4WDV#18809
    Rif9A9CW#18749 ScottN1CWV#18789 KonSQ6GIT#18851
  • 08 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7.  It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
    • Ladder Sunday 09 September 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 01 Sep 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Rag Chewers
    MichaelKK7H#18765 Basic Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 Sep 18: Please send in your logs for the following August 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

August 2018

  • 18 Aug 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder August 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the July 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 10 Aug 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    GaryKB0KDX#18682 MauriceKA1S#18699 BobK4FA#18755
    DavidNG9F#18683 JeremyM0RNX#18719 TomKC3TOM#18756
    JosephKI5AAI#18684 JulianG4ETS#18720 EricKE0FZA#18757
    DanielKE8FHF#18685 FabianDJ1YFK#18721 PaulK4XRA#18758
    BrianWD8DCS#18686 NickG0AWH#18722 ScottKI5ANQ#18759
    TomK4THL#18687 BrianG4IYC#18723 CharlesAA4LS#18760
    JeffKC3HWU#18688 PatrickON4BCA#18724 MichaelAD8BE#18761
    MichaelW5KSU#18689 RenePA3GJA#18725 RonaldW1VET#18762
    MichaelVA7MN#18690 SteveM3FGU#18726 DettleffKD8EFM#18763
    KeithWD9GET#18691 BarryG4GMP#18727 DonaldKA0FDY#18764
    BennettNC1WX#18692 MarkG6PMN#18728 MichaelKK7H#18765
    RichW9RJK#18693 PistaHA2EBA#18729 StevenW0GSQ#18766
    PatrickAC0I#18694 MichaelN6MKW#18750 HaywardK5HMG#18767
    MichaelKD6KA#18695 RonaldNB3W#18751 MikeKI7SDQ#18768
    MatthewKD8CWV#18696 BruceKC9HTC#18752 RichardKA2DOV#18769
    RyanK9RL#18697 RobertKD0OJB#18753    
    RobertKM4WUU#18698 ThomasW2PIX#18754    
  • 10 Aug 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    MilanOK1KW#4827 Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 30m Endorsement, Spectrum 20m Endorsement, Spectrum 17m Endorsement, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
    PeteG0PNM#16592 Spectrum 20m Endorsement
    WilliamMI0WWB#18434 Basic Century
    EdwardN7EDK#18504 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 10 Aug 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 12 August 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 02 Aug 18: Please send in your logs for the following July 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

July 2018

  • 29 Jul 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder July 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the June 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 21 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 22 July 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 08 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe and EuCW on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 08 July 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • EuCW Snakes & Ladders new "summer/autumn"run started on 01 July and ends on 31 December UTC.
      If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start.  QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations must be European stations and the mode must be CW.  Each station may be contacted once per day, irrespective of the band.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 06 Jul 18: Please send in your logs for the following June 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

June 2018

  • 24 Jun 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 24 June 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 22 Jun 18: UK amateurs: The annual RSGB 6m CW contest is Sunday 24th June, 0900-1200 UTC.

    The exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character locator, with most European CW activity between 50.080-50.100 MHz.  Unlike HF contests, though, don't expect to get 599 for each QSO!  This should be interesting with the added likelihood of sporadic E propagation.

    QSOs with other FISTS CW Club members count towards FISTS Awards such as the Millionaire.
  • 21 Jun 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder June 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the May 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 13 Jun 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    IanG4MLW#130 Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement
    ColinG0XCF#2296 Silver Century
    MilanOK1KW#4827 Millionaire 17 Million Endorsement
    GaryAB0BM#13663 Worked All States
    PhilM0PBZ#15583 Basic Century
    MervG4KLE#16273 Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement
    AlanMW0BGL#16507 Millionaire, Rag Chewers 80m Endorsement
    BernardON7ZH#18446 Basic Century
    DanK0FD#18660 Basic Century, Spectrum 40m

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 13 Jun 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    IanVK5IP#15225 TimothyKA5GEX#18645 RonAA0W#18668
    AdamVK2FNHT#15226 ChrisNW6V#18646 NickKD8QLS#18669
    KiyoJA1SKM#15266 StevenW3SPC#18647 DavidKA8OHV#18670
    JunJH1EGX#15267 KerryK7KRY#18648 MichaelKG5NUX#18671
    KennethW4KDK#18626 AlbertK5FFO#18649 BradKD8LWZ#18672
    JamesKG4B#18627 StephenKL3MM#18650 MackenzieSWL91#18673
    MichaelN2EJI#18628 JerryWA0H#18651 KennethK8KCH#18674
    WilliamK1UFO#18629 GaryN3OS#18652 DavidW4NWL#18675
    EricK5EJB#18630 CarlW8WZ#18653 DavidWA6DH#18676
    JohnK8DZR#18631 BobK0FHG#18654 GailN4YAK#18678
    ThomasW5XNA#18632 BobWA8ZKB#18655 StanW6SMF#18679
    EdWR2D#18633 JerryK8VGL#18656 ThomasWD9IGY#18680
    KonstantinWT5NA#18634 NormanKA8ITF#18657 WilliamAA2YV#18681
    WayneNC4B#18635 TimothyW8JJ#18658 RogerG4CGU#18710
    JayKI7JS#18636 DavidKB8ZOC#18659 RickG1WYA#18711
    JeffreyN4VEJ#18637 DanK0FD#18660 KenGM4JMU#18712
    ThomasW9TPB#18638 DonaldSWL90#18661 CeesPA1CA#18713
    BillKG7GMR#18639 JimAJ3DI#18662 IainG4YBN#18714
    DavidVE2DEE#18640 GaryNU0W#18663 MarkG0MGX#18715
    MichaelN5MAJ#18641 SusanKN4MDC#18664 Analogue BobG0CHK#18716
    RichardWA5ED#18642 DickW9XW#18665 DaleG4DKR#18717
    OliverWB3KLI#18643 EdN3OB#18666 JanPA2JS#18718
    RichardNS3C#18644 MardyVE3QEE#18667    
  • 09 Jun 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 10 June 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 07 Jun 18: Please send in your logs for the following May 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 01 Jun 18: Today is the start of the Word Search activity from FISTS Europe.  It runs from 00:01 to Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".

    This is a 'first past the post' activity, so the sooner you start having QSOs for it, the higher you are likely to appear in the final results table.

    Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for either or both in your log.  For more information, please see the Word Search rules.

May 2018

  • 27 May 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 27 May 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Word Search Friday 01 June 00:01 to Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 21 May 18: The latest version, 3.5.1, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for the new Word Search activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 19 May 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder May 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the April 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 11 May 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 13 May 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 11 May 18: The RSGB 4m (70 MHz) CW Contest 2018 is Sunday 13 May 0900-1200 UTC.

    The exchange is: RST, Serial Number (starting at 001) and a 6 character (e.g. IO92JL) locator and UK stations send the first 2 letters of their Postcode.

    This is one of three RSGB VHF CW contests (6m, 4m, & 2m).  These are more relaxed than HF contests and typically 'real' RSTs are exchanged, so have fun and listen carefully!  If you have QSOs with FISTS CW Club members, these count towards the FISTS Awards.
  • 03 May 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Prefix 50 Endorsement
    PeterG4LHI#2219 Spectrum 80m Endorsement
    FritzDL4FDM#2225 Gold Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
    JohnG4LRG#14873 Gold Century
    JeanF6JOE#16177 Gold Century, Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    MikeDF2OK#16604 Basic Century
    SteveG4HXY#16937 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 02 May 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    BenedictVR2VVR#15264 DonaldKC0DE#18621 DavidM0ILX#18705
    AkiJO1DGE#15265 RichKD0ZV#18622 Stephen2E0AAO#18706
    MalcolmNB3T#18617 RobertK4MDF#18623 NigelM0ICH#18707
    JoeKA9QAT#18618 MattK2MFW#18624 GarethGM7WFT#18708
    JosephKI7LDI#18619 BryanN3FZ#18625 KenG0OBK#18709
    RonaldK4FET#18620 ChrisHB9AJP#18704    
  • 01 May 18: Please send in your logs for the following April 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

April 2018

  • 22 Apr 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder April 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the March 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 22 Apr 18: The 2018 EuCW QRS Week activity is Monday 23 April to Friday 27 April inclusive.

    Maximum speed is 14 wpm.

    Call 'CQ' or 'CQ QRS'.

    See the full details on the EuCW website.


     
  • 21 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 22 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 07 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 08 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 04 Apr 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    DiarmuidVK1FDHA#15224 DavidM6KSF#18586 WayneKK6ZPL#18604
    ChangBX2AK#15262 SteveM6KLR#18587 JoeKU5M#18605
    LeeBX2AB#15263 MarkM0MRX#18588 AlKC1IVZ#18606
    BoW4GHV#18541 GlynG7UQN#18589 JamesAD0YO#18607
    IanW9IAN#18542 JulianM0JCE#18590 AlexKK6ZLY#18608
    LeeKV5M#18543 TonyG6MEW#18591 JonathanKC4DEJ#18609
    RobertK4BKC#18544 PhilG8HTW#18592 JosephVE9OCR#18610
    CraigKD2NSP#18545 MattM6XHX#18593 ManuelKC6ZSY#18611
    JohnW4ZZY#18546 MarkM0LTG#18594 ClarenceK0JZ#18612
    HectorW1DEA#18547 PetrOK1LIX#18595 ThomasNS3U#18613
    EdKB7S#18548 SladeM6SQB#18596 HowardAE0Z#18614
    JohnWA1QDX#18549 JohnGSWL48#18597 BenK2CPU#18615
    PekkaOH7GYN#18580 AndreasDJ3EI#18598 RalphN4RLI#18616
    JohnG4SJY#18581 JoeIK2WAD#18599 JohnGW4LPB#18700
    Andrew9H4BA#18582 Los Alamos ArcW5PDO#18600 GrahameM0OSB#18701
    AndyDF1BV#18583 MaynardKC1IXM#18601 GavinG8XJR#18702
    NigelG8NYZ#18584 MichaelK9MB#18602 ColinG4RTJ#18703
    Matt2E0LJZ#18585 StephenKC3ANQ#18603    
  • 02 Apr 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    DaveG0DEB#380 1 X QRP
    RichardG0ILN#398 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    MichaelW3QT#13724 Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement
    SteveVK7CW#14164 Millionaire 7 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m Endorsement
    JeanF6JOE#16177 Spectrum 20m Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 02 Apr 18: Please send in your logs for the following March 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

March 2018

  • 23 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 25 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

      QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
  • 14 Mar 18: The February 2018 Key Note is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members.

    Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:
    https://fists.co.uk/members/members.aspx

    Items in this issue include:
    • Getting the Hump over the Camelback Key
    • Jet Setting and a Sad Story to tell
    • QRP in Britagne
    • Samuel Finley Breese Morse
    • What makes a Good CW Operator?
    • Review: MTR3-B QRP Transceiver
    • Review: Palm Radio Palm Pico Single Key
    • Review: The 9A5N Solid State Paddle

    ... and more besides!

     
  • 13 Mar 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder March 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the February 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 08 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 11 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

      QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
  • 07 Mar 18: The latest version, 3.4.8, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for 2m in the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).  Note that this works retrospectively; qualifying 2m QSOs starting from 01 March will be included when sending a log in at the start of April.  It also includes fixes for several issues.

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 02 Mar 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following February 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 02 Mar 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    GlennVK2GST#15223 RogerK5PE#18519 MarcKN4BKR#18538
    SunDS5PXJ#15261 CharlesK9DCC#18520 ScottW9VHE#18539
    JamesKF5KAQ#18502 DougKI7RZB#18521 MichaelN4IBG#18540
    GregK8ULT#18503 MarkKK7VP#18522 KarlSM3CNH#18564
    EdwardN7EDK#18504 BenVE1AHX#18523 AlexDJ0MDO#18565
    BrentVE1KF#18505 TabrenNO CALL 14#18524 Graham2E0XBA#18566
    AndrewWB7DKZ#18506 TonyVE2KM#18525 RichardM0HGL#18567
    LarryKJ1RE#18507 PatrickNO CALL 15#18526 MattM6NCQ#18568
    JamesKI5II#18508 FrankN5NI#18527 PieterON3PH#18569
    RobertKI4F#18509 ClaudeK5JTO#18528 Paul2E0IGL#18570
    DennisKK0DJ#18510 JohnKC3ARN#18529 ChrisGSWL47#18571
    KevinWA9VFD#18511 PhilipW1GEE#18530 CrisIZ3GAK#18572
    JohnAB5GQ#18512 RobertN3XKB#18531 PaulG7VKZ#18573
    GregoryKC1IVW#18513 KonstantinKZ4IG#18532 JoeIZ8AJU#18574
    MikeKC3GEM#18514 JohnAJ6BJ#18533 BrianG3LTM#18575
    Edmond ArsK5EOK#18515 CharlesN9VJ#18534 SteveG7JHU#18576
    ShelliK6SRJ#18516 TimothyKC3KUE#18535 HarryM0JFN#18577
    DanicaKC9W#18517 JamesK6JNX#18536 MarioIK2CMN#18578
    DanaK3DWC#18518 DavidW5FUY#18537 ChrisM0TCH#18579
  • 01 Mar 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Spectrum 80m Endorsement
    PeterG4LHI#2219 Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement
    KenG4RHR#2248 Gold Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

February 2018

  • 28 Feb 18: The new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

    QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...

    See the Listen for Learners rules for full details.

    The latest version of FISTS Log Converter, 3.4.6, supports Listen for Learners for 160m-10m.  A newer version will be available within a few days that adds support for 2m.
  • 27 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.6) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds initial support for the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).  (There will also be a further version soon that adds 2m to Listen for Learners.)

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 25 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 25 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • "Listen for Learners" starts on Thursday 01 March and runs throughout March - final details to be announced soon!
  • 11 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder February 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the January 2018 Ladder results and the upcoming Listen for Learners Activity.

     
  • 11 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 11 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 08 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.5) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for the new DXCC entity 'Republic of Kosovo'.

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 04 Feb 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    TokuJP7MLT#15259 MarkW3DXG#18487 JosephN7WJ#18501
    KazuJR4GGT#15260 FoyWE0FC#18488 VagiVU2JXL#18551
    PhilW0NLK#18466 StephenK4OBL#18489 SteveG1TOL#18552
    TomKN4GPT#18476 JudithKD0TOT#18490 DavidM0WDD#18553
    KurtAD0WE#18477 PatrickKK6YK#18491 Brian2E0OET#18554
    DanN9WJ#18478 EricK0EAP#18492 Jim2E0HBV#18555
    HarryN3HWH#18479 BarryKA0DXB#18493 NilsDL3HR#18556
    RodWI8A#18480 ChrisK2HAE#18494 PeteM6VPH#18557
    RobertK4UYQ#18481 JimKI6KRO#18495 RichardGW0HDY#18558
    KenKD2KEH#18482 RickyKX4RC#18496 RichardG4TGJ#18559
    RichardK1CDX#18483 DennisN0SMX#18497 SimonM0ILR#18560
    RyanKB0RAH#18484 AndrewAB3U#18498 LucaIK1OWC#18561
    ThomasK4AEN#18485 DennisAD6DM#18499 RayM0DHP#18562
    JohnW9WN#18486 RichardWR4RW#18500    
  • 04 Feb 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    AndySP9NLI#3741 Prefix
    PeterM5ABN#6423 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    PhilK4NE#13030 Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    JeanF6JOE#16177 Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 80m Endorsement, Spectrum 40m
    MikeWI5H#16705 Basic Century, 1 X QRP, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 20m
    EmilI5EFO#17028 Spectrum 40m
    FanisSV2BBK#18061 Millionaire

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 03 Feb 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following January 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 03 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Americas Winter Slow Speed Sprint (max. 13 wpm) takes place on Saturday 3 February 1700-2100 UTC on 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m.

    Call "CQ FS".  The exchange includes:
    RST, U.S. state or Canadian province or DXCC country, first name, FISTS member number.
    Non-members send their power output in Watts instead of a member number.

    Members worldwide are invited to participate.

    For N1MM contest logger users, a User Defined Contest (UDC) file is available.  Go to the N1MM website, choose "FILES" then "User Defined Contests (UDC)" and look for the file G3ZQSmem.zip (can be used for Sprints despite the name).  A FISTS Call History File is also available.

January 2018

  • 27 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 28 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 19 Jan 18: The final Cumulatives Report from FISTS CW Club Americas has been published by Dennis K6DF.

    This newsletter contains the results and soapbox comments for the Cumulatives on-air sessions during 2018.

    Please note that the Cumulatives have now finished and are not running in 2018.  Congratulations to the certificate and key winners and thank you to everyone who has participated.

     
  • 17 Jan 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder January 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the final results for the 2017 Ladder and Straight Key Week.



     
  • 13 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 14 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 08 Jan 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    HermanVK7HW#15220 TristanMW3VJN#18448 DonK6LPQ#18464
    KarenVK2AKB#15221 MikeG4TSQ#18449 ChristopherN0UK#18465
    BrettVK2CBD#15222 DerekN0GB#18453 PhilipWA0NLK#18466
    AngelN4SNI#18388 MelanieK0MBM#18454 JohnAF6HC#18467
    AndiDL5CG#18439 RobertNQ1A#18455 BobAF4OI#18468
    TrevorG0KIN#18440 CharlesWS6A#18456 QRU Radio ClubKX4S#18470
    AriOH2ECG#18441 DouglasK1CTR#18457 CurtisK4TL#18471
    JohnGW0RAD#18442 GeneW2BXR#18458 MartinKM6MFI#18472
    GrahamG4JBD#18443 DavidKM4QVM#18459 MarkVA6MPJ#18473
    JimGI4SZW#18444 MichaelNG0C#18460 MichaelKM6PCX#18474
    RobertG7IOC#18445 DavidKD9SU#18461 PaulK7AZT#18475
    BernardON7ZH#18446 ThomasWD5GBS#18462 Tony2E0FTF#18550
    MauIZ0GPP#18447 AaronKG6OVR#18463    
  • 02 Jan 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    AndySP9NLI#3741 Prefix
    PhilK4NE#13030 Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 02 Jan 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following December 2017 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 01 Jan 18: The "winter/spring" EuCW Snakes & Ladders run starts today, Monday 01 January, and finishes at the end of 30 June (UTC).

    If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start.  QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations contacted must be European stations and the mode must be CW.  Each station may be contacted once per day, irrespective of the band.

    For more details, please see the comprehensive rules.

    Have a very Happy New Year from all at FISTS CW Club.

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